A military journal during the American Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783 / describing interesting events and transactions of this period; with numerous historical facts and anecdotes, from the original manuscript. To which is added, an appendix, containing biographical sketches of several general officers. By James Thacher.

  • Thacher, James, 1754-1844.
Date:
1827
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A military journal during the American Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783 / describing interesting events and transactions of this period; with numerous historical facts and anecdotes, from the original manuscript. To which is added, an appendix, containing biographical sketches of several general officers. By James Thacher. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    477/502 (page 473)
    cers in the cabin, he came on deck and said to his bargemen, ‘¢ My lads, I have quitted the rebel army, and joined the stand- ard of his Britannic Majesty ; if you will join me, I will make sergeants and corporals of you all, and for you, James, I will do something more.” Indignant. at the offer, Lurvey prompt- ly replied, ‘‘ No, Sir, one coat is enough for me to wear at a time.”” A worthy example of fidelity “in the corporal, and a Cutting sarcasm on the guilty traitor. Two only of the crew remained, and they were British deserters. The brave cor- poral, with the remainder of the men, returned, not however in the barge ; Arnold had the meanness to retain that for his Own use, and gave them a miserable boat in exchange. After his arrival on board the Vulture, he addressed to General Washington the following letter :— “¢ On board the Vulture, September 25th, 1780. ‘¢ Sir,—The heart which is conscious of its own rectitude cannot attempt to palliate a step which the world may cen- sure as wrong ; I have ever acted from a principle of love to my country, since the commencement of the present unhappy contest between Great Britain and the colonies ; the same principle of love to my country actuates my present conduct, however it may appear inconsistent to the world, who very seldom judge right of any man’s actions. ‘<I have no favor to ask for myself; I have too often expe- rienced the ingratitude of my country to attempt it ; but from the known humanity of your Excellency, I am induced to ask your protection for Mrs. Arnold, from every insult and injury that the mistaken vengeance of my country may expose her to. It ought to fall only on me; she is as innocent and as good as an angel, and is incapable of doing wrong. Ibeg she may be permitted to return to her friends in Philadelphia, or to come to me, as she may choose ; from your Excellency I have no fears on her account, but she may suffer from the mistaken fury of the country. “‘] have to request that the enclosed letter may be de- livered to Mrs. Arnold, and she permitted to write to me. “‘T have also to ask that my clothes and baggage, which are of little consequence, may be sent to me,—if required, their value shall be paid in money. _I have the honor to be, with great regard and esteem, ‘Your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, “ B. ARNOLD. “¢ Mis Excellency, General Washington.” Ay t